The Payroll Tax Specialist will manage multi-state tax registrations, filings, and remittances while resolving complex tax issues with government agencies. They will also serve as a subject matter expert for clients, providing guidance on withholding, legislative changes, and tax account management.
RCR Consulting is a growing HR consulting firm, and we're looking for a part-time Payroll Tax Specialist to join our team. This role is built for someone who lives and breathes payroll tax compliance — multi-state registrations, agency notices, filing deadlines, and the regulatory shifts that come with them. You'll be the go-to payroll tax expert for our clients, pairing technical depth with strong client-facing communication. We're looking for a problem solver who is comfortable owning complex, multi-jurisdiction tax issues from start to finish. We're looking for someone seeking permanent part-time employment, committed to RCR with flexibility to take on additional hours as business needs shift. A Monday–Friday schedule is required to stay available to clients. This role is not a fit for someone balancing another job alongside ours.
Responsibilities
Register companies for new state and local tax accounts, including SUI, SIT, and applicable local withholding or occupational taxes, as clients expand into new jurisdictions
Complete manual payroll tax filings and remittances (federal, state, and local) when automated filing isn't available or an issue requires hands-on correction
Prepare and file payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 940, and state quarterly/annual returns) and year-end forms (W-2, W-2c) accurately and on time
Research and resolve complex payroll tax issues — discrepancies, agency notices, penalty assessments, and filing errors — working directly with the IRS and state/local agencies
Help clients regain access to locked, suspended, or otherwise inaccessible state and local tax accounts, including navigating agency identity verification and account recovery processes
Monitor unemployment tax rates and manage SUTA rate changes, voluntary contributions, and rate protests where advantageous to clients
Serve as the client-facing subject matter expert on payroll tax matters — advising on withholding elections, multi-state and reciprocity agreements, remote-employee taxation, and reporting requirements
Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and identify and correct discrepancies before they become filing issues
Track federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll tax, and proactively update clients and internal processes
Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing responsive, high-quality service on all tax-related questions and issues
Requirements
5+ years of hands-on experience in payroll tax compliance, ideally supporting multiple clients or entities across many states
Demonstrated experience registering companies for new-state SUI/SIT and local tax accounts
Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations (FICA, FUTA, SUTA, state income tax withholding, local taxes)
Experience researching and resolving payroll tax notices directly with the IRS and state agencies
Experience with ADP Workforce Now required; familiarity with Paylocity, Gusto, or other payroll/HRIS platforms is a strong plus
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy; comfortable owning compliance deadlines independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain tax concepts clearly to non-technical clients
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred
Ability to work Monday–Friday and flexibility to take on additional hours as client needs arise
Pay
$32 - $40 per hour, based on experienceWe are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
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